Patriots (3-1) vs. Chargers (2-3)

Well, this New England-San Diego rematch of the AFC title game has lost a little luster hasn’t it?

There’s no Tom Brady, no Shawne Merriman. Neither team is even in first place, but this Sunday night game still has the feel of a heavyweight fight. The Pats, in fact, are treating it as a playoff game, deciding to stay on the West Coast all week after winning in San Francisco last Sunday.

The host Chargers are 5-point favorites this time around on WagerWeb.com.

First off, let’s look at the injuries, which would seem to favor New England because Chargers starting wide receiver Chris Chambers is doubtful because of a sprained left ankle. Coach Norv Turner said Chambers’ availability would be a game-time decision. Five of Chambers’ 11 catches this year have been for TDs.

In addition, Chargers starting outside linebacker Jyles Tucker, Merriman’s replacement, also is listed as doubtful and said he would test his injured hamstring before Sunday’s game. The Pats, meanwhile, are pretty healthy. New England has listed LB Eric Alexander (hamstring), RB LaMont Jordan (calf) and WR Kelley Washington (ankle) as doubtful for Sunday, and none of them are huge contributors. RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder) and CB Lewis Sanders (hamstring) are questionable but likely to play.

LaDainian Tomlinson said this week the Chargers “can’t afford to go to 2-4.”

The numbers back that up. Since the current playoff format began in 1990, 12 of the 132 teams that started 2-4 have gone on to make the postseason (9.1 percent). Yet 41 of the 99 teams that started the season 3-3 since ‘90 have advanced to the postseason (41.4 percent). At least one 3-3 team has advanced to the playoffs in all but one season since ‘90, and at least two 3-3 teams have gone on to the postseason in all but three seasons.

San Diego needs its defense to step up Sunday. That unit ranks No. 20 or below in such critical areas as yards allowed per game and per play; passing yards per game; first downs per game. Opponents have a league-high TD passes. And of the 129 points the Chargers have been hit with, 86 were scored in the first half. In addition, the Chargers allowed a season-high 167 rushing yards in last week’s loss in Miami.

San Diego’s offense has been good, averaging 29.6 points to rank fourth in the league, but the Chargers have lost three games by a total of 10 points. Quarterback Phillip Rivers is second in the AFC with 11 touchdown passes, but he’s struggled recently. Over the past two games, Rivers has completed less than 51 percent of his throws for a total of 339 yards with two TDs and two interceptions while getting sacked six times. Rivers has completed 11 passes of 20 or more yards, but the Chargers have allowed eight.

The Chargers have won all five of their home night games and are 16-2 overall at home with Rivers as quarterback. They also won both games last season in their powder blue jerseys, which they will be wearing Sunday. But New England has won 12 regular-season road games in a row.

New England has won 13 of the past 15 meetings, including that 21-21 victory in last year’s AFC Championship Game.

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Cowboys (4-1) vs. Cardinals (3-2)

The Dallas Cowboys enter Sunday’s game vs. Arizona at 4-1 yet seemingly too often answering questions about Terrell Owens (not enough balls his way) or Pacman Jones (pick your legal issue).

Jones was involved in a fight with one of his own team-assigned bodyguards this week, which just adds to the circus that is Dallas these days. And certainly the Cowboys haven’t been as dominant as many expected, but they are still 4-1 and are 4.5-point road favorites this week on WagerWeb.com.

Tight end Jason Witten and some of the players were not aware of the Pacman incident until they were told by coach Wade Phillips.

“Coach Phillips just reminded us to stay focused and think about the challenge at hand and not to let all of this get in the way of it,” Witten said. “If we let it, it will definitely be a distraction.”

Really, the more important news in the Dallas secondary this week involved top cover corner Terence Newman. He had surgery this week to repair a sports hernia and will miss a least a month, which means Jones will continue to start. Arizona is one of the surprises in the league and leads the NFC West thanks mainly to a passing game that ranks third in the NFL behind Kurt Warner. However, the Cards again will be without All-Pro WR Anquan Boldin, who underwent surgery on a fractured facial bone last Thursday after he suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit on September 28 against the New York Jets. Boldin has caught 27 balls for 366 yards and five touchdowns in four games this season.

“He’s just not quite ready,” said Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt.

That Dallas offense is as good as any in football, but Tony Romo has a pick in eight consecutive games. He also has lost two fumbles. More important, the opposition has turned his seven turnovers into 29 points.

Dallas made a commitment last week in getting the ball to RB Marion Barber, who had 23 carries against the Bengals; he had just eight attempts the previous week against the Redskins. The Cowboys are 23-1 when Barber has at least 11 carries.

In the past, Dallas fans would take over in the desert, but Arizona is 8-2 overall in Glendale under Whisenhunt, and the past three games have been blowout wins.

The Cowboys have won three consecutive games including the last meeting, 27-10 in Week 10 of 2006.

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Packers (2-3) vs. Seahawks (1-3)

Two of the supposed NFC powers meet on Sunday in Seattle when the Seahawks host the Packers with both teams in desperate need of a win to stay relevant in the conference.

The Packers have lost three consecutive games for the first time since 2006, while Seattle is coming off a 44-6 butt-kicking by the Giants. The four-time defending NFC West champions, off to their worst start since opening the 2002 season 1-5, were outgained 523-187. The Seahawks’ lone win of the season came against the awful Rams. Yet they are 1-point favorites for Sunday’s game on WagerWeb.com.

Both starting QBs are banged up heading into this game, but it appears only one will sit out, and that’s Seattle’s Matt Hasselbeck. He has a hyperextended right knee and didn’t practice this week. Coach Mike Holmgren says Hasselbeck is questionable and that he won’t decide until Sunday morning. But Holmgren added that he’s preparing to start No. 3 quarterback Charlie Frye, who took almost all the snaps in practice this week because backup Seneca Wallace has a calf injury.

“The thing has just not responded,” Holmgren said of Hasselbeck’s knee. “He can’t do much with his leg. It’s not ligaments, it’s not anything like that. It’s just sore. He doesn’t have the green light to play. He could get it, but I have got to feel he’s not too vulnerable out there.”

Frye was 6-13 as a starter with the Browns. Seattle acquired him for a sixth-round draft pick one game into the 2007 season.

Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers hasn’t practiced all week, either. But despite his lingering shoulder troubles, he will start. The Packers listed Rodgers as probable on their injury report.

Rodgers was cleared to play last Sunday a few hours before the Packers’ home game against Atlanta and had one of his top performances this season. Rodgers completed 25 of 37 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in Green Bay’s 27-24 loss.

“I feel like I’m going to be able to be good for Sunday,” Rodgers said Friday. “I would’ve liked to do a little throwing, but I did as much as I could [in practice] with the run game and took the mental reps. I feel good about the game plan and my preparation.”

Besides Rodgers, other Packers starters injured but listed as probable are LT Chad Clifton (hamstring), FB Korey Hall (knee), CB Charles Woodson (toe) and LB A.J. Hawk (groin). Safety Aaron Rouse (knee) also is probable and likely will start in place of an injured Atari Bigby (hamstring), who is doubtful. DT Ryan Pickett (knee) is questionable but said Friday he would play.

Seattle, meanwhile, will be without starting WR Deion Branch.
Expect the Seahawks to run the ball a ton if Hasselbeck sits. Julius Jones leads a Seattle rushing attack that is averaging more than 140 rushing yards per game. Green Bay has allowed at least 175 rushing yards in three consecutive weeks.

The Packers, who were tied with Seattle for sixth in scoring defense last season (18.2 points per game), now rank 23rd in the league in that same category (25.6 ppg) and 26th in total defense (374.0 yards per game).Green Bay is allowing 25.6 points per game this season, compared to 18.2 last season.

The Seahawks returned all 11 defensive starters — including four Pro Bowlers — from last season’s unit, but rank 29th in scoring (31.0 ppg) and 27th in total defense (382.3 ypg).

The Packers lead the all-time series, 8-5, and won the last matchup 42-20, which came in the 2007 NFC title game.

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Eagles (2-3) vs. 49ers (2-3)

It’s now or never for the Philadelphia Eagles, who have lost two straight games and sit in last place of the NFC East.

Look no further than the second half of the past two losses, to Chicago and Washington. Philly has totaled only nine second-half points in those games. The Eagles have scored 38 points in the second halves of their first five games, compared to 89 points before halftime. Yet they are 4.5-point betting favorites on WagerWeb.com for Sunday’s game at San Francisco.

The Niners also have dropped two straight and were held to a season-low 199 total yards and outscored 23-7 in the final three quarters of their 30-21 loss to New England last Sunday.

San Francisco committed three turnovers last week and has totaled 11 in three losses, compared to one in two wins. Five of J.T. O’Sullivan’s six interceptions have come in the past two games, and he has fallen back to earth after his quick start to the season. Defenses have been taking away O’Sullivan’s primary target, which has caused him to take off and scramble rather than move through his progressions. O’Sullivan also has shown a tendency to lock in on one receiver. He has completed less than half of his pass attempts in the past two games as well.

The Eagles entered last week with the No. 1 run defense in the NFL and the third-ranked defense overall. But the Redskins shredded that unit to the tune of 203 yards on the ground. And now comes Frank Gore, who leads the league with 603 yards from scrimmage. He is averaging 4.8 yards per carry (88 for 423 yards), has three rushing touchdowns, and has caught 19 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. Expect the Eagles to throw a lot Sunday because they will be without star running back Brian Westbrook (ribs). He leads Philly with 194 yards rushing and has six touchdowns, two receiving. He should return on Oct. 26 after a bye week. Correll Buckhalter starts in his place.

Philly coach Andy Reid ruled two other offensive starters out for Sunday as well, guard Shawn Andrews (back) and wide receiver Reggie Brown (groin).

“Brian wants to go. He’s in the mind-set that he wants to play, but it’s a decision that I’ve got to make,” Reid said. “He’s a tough nut and I know that. I’ve got to do what I think is best for him and the football team down the road. It made the decision a little easier for me than it is for him. Obviously, he wants to contribute and compete.”

The Eagles have won three out of the previous four meetings, including the last one, in 2006.

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Rams (0-4) vs. Redskins (4-1

The largest spread on the WagerWeb.com NFL board this week is the Rams getting 13.5 points for Sunday’s game at Washington, which has won four games in a row.

Well, if you need additional reasons to bet on the RedskinsJason Taylor could start Sunday. That will be a boost to one of Washington’s main weaknesses, the pass rush. The Skins have no sacks in the past two games and only six all season. despite that near two-TD number, Pro Bowl defensive end

Taylor, who underwent a procedure Sept. 22 to relieve compartment syndrome in his left calf, practiced Thursday and Friday. Coach Jim Zorn was encouraged that Taylor “moved well” in limited reps and “looks like he’s up to speed,” saying that the 12-year veteran would participate against the Rams, although maybe not start. In addition, top cover corner cornerback Shawn Springs, who sat out last week because of a calf injury, will be active.

Zorn, meanwhile, isn’t concerned about the lack of sacks, citing the mobility of opposing quarterbacks and the discipline of the defensive linemen to not allow long scrambles.

“We’ve faced some very tough quarterbacks,” Zorn said. “You’re not going to sack Donovan McNabb much and you’re not going to sack Tony Romo much. A lot of times, we’re getting pressure but not finishing because the ball is already gone.” The competition has also been good. The Redskins’ five opponents are ranked first, fourth, fifth, third and ninth in total offense. St. Louis is ranked 30th.

On offense, Redskins QB Jason Campbell is off to a great start, having yet to throw an interception through five games. And Clinton Portis might be the league MVP so far. He had his second consecutive 100-yard performance last week, that coming against Philadelphia’s top-ranked run defense. It could be a long day for St. Louis’ 31st-ranked defense.

This will be the first game for the Rams since firing coach Scott Linehan following their Week 4 loss to Buffalo. That was the only game in which St. Louis has been competitive this year, but the Rams blew a big lead. Trent Green started that game, but new coach Jim Haslett has reinstalled Marc Bulger as the starting QB.

St. Louis has scored the fewest points in the NFL, and Bulger was sacked 11 times in his first three games, and has thrown for only two touchdowns.

The only offensive bright spot has been RB Steven Jackson, who has 480 total yards from scrimmage — 74 rushes for 269 yards and 20 catches for 211 yards — in four games. But he’s averaging 3.6 yards per rushing attempt, which is well under his career average of 4.4 yards per rushing attempt coming into the 2008 season.

The Redskins have beaten the Rams three of the last four times but the teams haven’t played since 2006, when Jackson had 252 yards from scrimmage in a St. Louis win.

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NCAA football odds: Pitt finally names Stull starter

Not sure what Dave Wannstedt was waiting for, but the Pitt coach finally announced that Bill Stull would be the Panthers’ starting QB this season.

Stull took the majority of first-team snaps in practices and clearly outperformed his competition, so this is hardly any surprise. The redshirt junior completed 14-of-20 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown against Eastern Michigan last Sept. 1 before tearing ligaments in the thumb on his right (throwing) hand in the third quarter, which ended his season.

"A lot of guys have injuries, and they approach the redshirt differently," Wannstedt said. "For some guys, it's a year off. For some guys, it's a year to sulk; for some guys, they take advantage of it.

"I think that's what Billy did. He's a little bit stronger. His arm is stronger. He was in every meeting last year, so it gave him another year to learn the offense and see defenses and try to make himself better."

Wannstedt kept the competition open to include sophomores Pat Bostick and Kevan Smith, both of whom struggled last season. Bostick started eight games last fall, passing for 1,500 yards with eight touchdowns and 13 interceptions, while Smith started three games and passed for 415 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. Pitt's pass offense averaged only 178.1 yards per game, which ranked 104th among 119 Division I-A teams nationally.Wannstedt said the competition for the backup between Bostick and Smith will continue.

The No. 25 Panthers host Bowling Green Aug. 30 in their season opener. Pitt is a 12.5-point favorite on WagerWeb.com.

"It feels awesome, but I'm just glad that I was able to prove to the coaches, myself and my teammates that I've earned the spot again," Stull said. "It's out in the open, and now I'm ready to move on to Bowling Green."

NFL odds: Good news for Jags' top receivers

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been without their top two receivers this preseason, but both appear on the way back and should be ready for opening day.

Reggie Williams began camp on the physically unable to perform list after knee surgery, but he returned to the practice field Wednesday and took in the complete workout. He didn’t appear to be limited.

"We had him out there at practice and he looked good," quarterback David Garrard said. "I know he was dying to get back on the field."

Williams, who won’t play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Bucs, caught 38 passes for 629 yards and 10 TDs last season, the eighth-best scoring total among receivers. His yardage total was a four-season career high, suggesting he's ready to break out.

Meanwhile, the Jags gave Jerry Porter $30 million to be the top guy, but he has been out of action since undergoing hamstring surgery in July. However, he is expected to return to practice next week and there’s an outside shot he will play in the preseason finale. It’s more likely the team holds him out to ensure he’s ready for the season opener.Porter caught 44 passes for 705 yards and 6 TDs last season with Oakland, but he never has had a 1,000-yard season, so maybe the Jags overpaid. In addition, he has never worked with Garrard, which could set the team back.

“I can’t build any rapport with him until he’s on the field. I’m just going to try to put some extra time in with him in meetings,” Garrard said.

Garrard had only 10 completions for more than 30 yards last season, so getting Porter, a big-play threat, involved is a key to opening up Jacksonville’s offense.

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Tennis odds: U.S. Open women's

Ana Ivanovic may be the top seed, but this year’s U.S. Open, which begins Monday, is mainly about the Williams sisters to American tennis fans despite the fact neither has won this title since 2002 (they combined for four straight from 1999-2002).

Serena is the WagerWeb.com favorite at +300, while sister Venus is one of the third favorites at +400. Let’s get one thing out of the way first: The sisters can’t meet in the finals as they did at Wimbledon (won by Venus), as they are in the same bracket in New York. The two, who just won the Olympic doubles gold medal, would meet in the quarterfinals.

The U.S. Open’s hardcourt is Serena’s preferred surface, even though she hasn’t been past the quarterfinals of the Open since she last won it in 2002. But with defending champion Justine Henin retired and Maria Sharapova out with a shoulder injury, this could be Serena's chance.

“I'm really excited for the Open," she said. "I feel like I'm playing really solid and much better than I have been all year, to be honest. I really look forward to it.”

Venus has the more difficult road to the quarterfinals, if only because Agnieszka Radwanska, who reached the fourth round last year (and defeated Sharapova along the way), awaits in the fourth round. The highest seeds in Serena's quarter are Agnes Szavay (No. 13) and Nicole Vaidisova (No. 20), two talented players who aren’t having good years.The Williams’ side of the draw is by far the hardest. In fact, should the seedings go to plan, the quarterfinals of that side of the draw would see Ivanovic (+350 on WagerWeb.com) face the woman she beat in the French Open final, Olympic silver medalist Dinara Safina, who is playing as well as anyone and is +400. Ivanovic is also dealing with a nagging right thumb injury that forced her to withdraw from the Olympic tournament. The winner of the Ivanovic-Safina match would play the winner of the Williams match.

Ivanovic's fellow Serb and second-seed Jelena Janokovic looks to have an easier route to the semifinals with eighth-seed Vera Zvonareva her likely opponent in the last eight.

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NCAA football odds: Pitt's unlucky Fulmer hurt again

Another tough break for Pittsburgh defensive end Doug Fulmer, as he has suffered yet another injury that will cost him a full season, and it also costs the Panthers one of their starters.

The redshirt junior will require surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee, leaving the Panthers without a player that defensive line coach Greg Gattuso called Pitt's "ace in the hole."

"It was brutal to lose Doug," Gattuso said of Fulmer, who fractured his right ankle in 2006 and missed last season with a torn ACL in his left knee. "I worry about losing the leadership and the toughness that he brought. We have to adjust and go forward. It's an opportunity for these young guys."

Fulmer started three of the first four games in 2006 before suffering the ankle injury against The Citadel. He injured his right knee last spring, which also required surgery. Fulmer had missed four consecutive practices last week before returning Sunday. He twisted his knee while rushing the passer during an 11-vs.-11 drill and came up lame.

Coach Dave Wannstedt said he’s unsure whether Fulmer, a redshirt junior, might qualify for another medical redshirt given the rapid succession of his injuries.“It’s just so unfortunate because the guy hasn’t had a chance because of all the variety of injuries,” Wannstedt said. “The plan right now is that he’ll have the surgery. We’ll see how the rehab goes, and then we’ll deal with it then.”

Jabaal Sheard, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound sophomore, is the favorite to replace Fulmer, although Sheard made only three tackles last year. He is one of the fastest defensive players on the team, however. Redshirt freshman Chas Alecxih and redshirt sophomore Tyler Tkach will also see increased playing time. Greg Romeus starts at the other end spot for the Panthers, who open their season Aug. 30 vs. Bowling Green.

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MLB odds: Cards again juggling pitchers

It might be time to pull the plug on the St. Louis Cardinals’ playoff hopes. They entered Wednesday seven games out of the NL Central lead and four out of the wild card.

While four games doesn’t sound like much, that’s behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who clearly appear to be the second-best team in the NL behind the Cubs, so there’s seemingly no way the Cards could jump the Brewers and the Central-leading Cubs.

Another reason to start jumping off the St. Louis bandwagon is that starter Chris Carpenter is hurt again. The right-hander, who left Sunday's game with pain in his right triceps, was diagnosed with a muscle strain. At least an exam revealed no damage to his rotator cuff, but he’ll miss at least his next start (set for Friday in Cincinnati), and it's unclear when his next bullpen session might be.

It was only the third start since Opening Day 2007 for the 2005 Cy Young winner.

Pitching coach Dave Duncan said any replacement for Carpenter would come from among his bullpen. He mentioned Brad Thompson and Jaime Garcia, who both have starting experience.

Of Thompson's 19 appearances this season, three have been starts. He is 4-2 with a 4.34 ERA. Garcia has six appearances, with one start. He is 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA.

Garcia has pitched only 11 innings for the Cardinals, while Thompson has thrown 45 2/3.

Meanwhile, likely because of the uncertainty surrounding Carpenter, the Cardinals are altering the rehab assignment of Adam Wainwright. He has been rehabbing to rejoin the team as a reliever, but will start Saturday in Double-A, and his pitch count will increase to 65 or 70 pitches.The Cardinals pushed his start back one day and elevated his pitch count to get him ready in case he's needed as a starting pitcher. Facing uncertainty with Carpenter, the Cardinals want Wainwright to be available for either role — starter or, potentially, closer.

We want to keep everything on the table as an option," general manager John Mozeliak said. "We decided we didn't want to get Wainwright in a position where he's throwing 25 pitches, 25 pitches and then, oh wait, we need him as a starter."

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NCAA football odds: Who will win Rutgers' RB job?

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are expected to take a step back this year because they lost one of the best players in school history in running back Ray Rice, who’s now with the Baltimore Ravens.

All Rice did was averaged 5.3 yards a carry and is the school record holder in career yards (4,926), attempts (910), touchdowns (49), consecutive 100-yard games (8), 100-yard games (25), and 200-yard games (6). He also holds the records for season yards (2,012), attempts (380) and touchdowns (24), and owns the single-game mark of 280 yards.

"When you lose a guy like Ray Rice, who did so much for your program, it's hard," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. "It's not coincidental that things really took off during his time here. Now, he certainly had a great supporting cast, and Ray would be the first one to tell you that, but Ray's a phenomenal football player and a great teammate to have, and we're going to miss him."

A five-man race seems to be down to a two-man battle between sophomore Mason Robinson and junior Kordell Young, although power back Jourdan Brooks should get some carries as a change of pace.

"Kordell, Mason, Jourdan and (freshman) Joe (Martinek) have looked really impressive so far," said Schiano. "That's spring time and now. Do we have a Ray Rice? No, we don't. But we have other guys and they're going to do their best and I think their best is going to be pretty good."

Both Young and Robinson believe they have earned the right to get plenty of playing time. Young was Rice’s top backup last year but suffered a season-ending knee injury in last season's third game.

"We all want to make names for ourselves," said Young, who is at full strength. "We can't live up to what Ray Rice did. We just want to make names for ourselves.

"Even when I was behind Ray last year, I was always of the mind-set that I wanted to play and that I had the ability to do it at this level.”Robinson showed some flashes last fall as well, averaging 5.6 yards per carry rushing in backup duty.

"Probably his biggest (strength) is his speed," Schiano said, "but I think a very close second is his patience. He understands when to jet it and when to wait."

Expect both Young, who has shown great quickness, and Robinson, the home-run hitter, to play plenty this season, so being named the starter could just be in name only.

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NCAA football odds: Vols dodge bad news on RB Foster

Any hopes Tennessee has of competing in the loaded SEC this year rests largely on the shoulders of tailback Arian Foster, so the news that the senior has been diagnosed with a just a bone bruise following an MRI this week is huge in Knoxville.

The bruise is thought to be the cause of persistent soreness in Foster’s right knee that caused him to miss several practices. Coach Phil Fulmer said sidelining Foster was only precautionary and the ailment shouldn't limit him any further in fall camp.

"It doesn't look like anything else; that's good," Fulmer said.

Foster, who rushed for 1,193 yards in 2007 and needs just 684 yards to become Tennessee's all-time career rushing leader, said the soreness developed after a non-contact drill.

"I could play tomorrow, if they needed me," he added.

Fulmer said he'd like to get Foster, who did practice briefly Tuesday, some more full-contact work before the end of preseason camp. UT opens the season Sept. 1 at UCLA.

How important is Foster? Tennessee’s top three tailbacks behind Foster combined for only 37 yards on 26 carries in Saturday’s scrimmage — meaning the unit gained only 1.4 yards per carry against a defensive front that has been critiqued for its lack of depth.

Foster’s current backup is Montario Hardesty, who had a fumble in the scrimmage, which drew a tongue-lashing from the coaches.

“There are definitely things that we can improve,” said Hardesty.

Lower down the tailback depth chart, Fulmer said he doesn’t see a competition battle brewing between sophomore Lennon Creer and freshman Tauren Poole.“We’ve got four tailbacks,” Fulmer said. “We’re going to need all four of them. All of them are getting themselves game ready.”

Expect plenty of running this year as former offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe vowed to rely on the ground game in 2007 but rarely delivered on that promise. New coordinator Dave Clawson is expected to emphasize the run.

“From what he tells us, he likes to get his playmakers the ball,” Foster said. “And we’ve got a lot of playmakers at running back this year.”

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NCAA football odds: Rebels' defensive takes another big blow

With new coach Houston Nutt inheriting plenty of talent at Ole Miss, the Rebels seem poised to be a sleeper team in the SEC this year. That is if they can keep their defensive linemen healthy.

Junior defensive end Greg Hardy, the team’s best defender, underwent surgery this week on his right foot to repair a stress fracture and will be out up to two months. He injured the foot in a non-contact drill last Wednesday and had been held out practice since that time. The injury was initially believed to be a bruise, but X-rays revealed a small crack in the bone.

“It’s an unfortunate setback for Greg, but we’re glad the surgery went well and he can begin his recovery,” said Rebel head coach Houston Nutt. “We look forward to getting him back on the field later this season.”

Hardy has earned several preseason All-America honors and was named to watch lists for the Lombardi Award, Nagurski Trophy and Hendricks Award. Last year, he topped the SEC in sacks (10.0) and ranked second in tackles for loss (18.5). If Hardy misses the full eight weeks, he won't be available until the Rebels play at Alabama on Oct. 18.He becomes the fourth major defensive player to be lost to injury, following starters Ted Laurent (nose tackle), Peria Jerry (tackle) and Allen Walker (outside linebacker).

Laurent had arthroscopic knee surgery shortly before the start of fall practice. It's not clear when he might return. Jerry and Walker both have knee sprains and both are expected back before the season opener.

Nutt said junior Marcus Tillman, who moved from end to nose tackle after Laurent’s injury, will remain at tackle for now. Tillman has started at end the last two seasons. Junior Emmanuel Stephens and sophomore Kentrell Lockett are the most likely candidates to replace Hardy at end.

"We've got a bad bug on this defensive line right now," Nutt said.

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NCAA football odds: USC's Sanchez already working way back

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez already has begun rehabilitation for the dislocated left kneecap he suffered Friday after landing awkwardly during practice, and he still hopes to play in the Aug. 30 opener against Virginia.

“The next few days they'll be able to make some better judgment calls about when I'll be back," said Sanchez. "The best thing is it didn't swell up after rehab."

The good news for fans of the Men of Troy is that it was a clean dislocation, with no complications (no ligament, cartilage or bone damage). Sanchez, a redshirt junior, started three games last season for an injured John David Booty. He was 69-of-114 (.605) for 695 yards, 7 TDs and 5 interceptions. He led USC to wins vs. Arizona and at Notre Dame before losing by 7 points at Oregon.

Still, his injury opens the door for redshirt sophomore Mitch Mustain and redshirt freshman Aaron Corp, who have no game experience at USC but were two of the most prized recruits in America in their high school classes. Mustain went 8-0 as the starting quarterback for Arkansas in 2006 before transferring to USC.“I'm just trying to stay in the thick of it and work on my stuff and [not] worry so much about competing with Corp. [It's more] just getting everything down. It's not going to be much of a competition if I don't know what I'm doing,” Mustain said.

In the spring scrimmage, Corp completed 13 of 16 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Having spread the reps around in the spring competition, the Trojans have two backup quarterbacks who are capable of stepping into Sanchez's starting role.

"An enormous opportunity," is the way USC coach Pete Carroll describes it, adding that the two are “neck and neck.”

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MLB odds: Yanks need boost and could get two soon

Time is running out for the New York Yankees to extend their amazing playoff streak, but DH Hideki Matsui (sore left knee) could start playing in rehab games by the end of the week.

He's expected to run the bases soon, one of the final steps before playing in rehab games. Matsui had surgery on his right knee during the offseason, but decided not to have surgery on his left knee last month in an effort to rejoin the Yankees this season.

"So far, it's been well," Matsui said. "There's no doubt about it, I feel confident now if I keep progressing."

Matsui has appeared in 69 games this season, hitting .323 with seven homers and 34 RBIs. If he returns to the Yankees, it would be solely as a DH. Manager Joe Girardi said that the presences of both Matsui and catcher Jorge Posada, who is lost for the season with right shoulder surgery, have been missed.

"You look at them both and they're very good hitters," Girardi said. "They've been productive, year after year. You do miss those kinds of people."

Meanwhile, pitcher Joba Chamberlain is scheduled to begin playing catch on Friday, when the Yankees open a three-game series at Yankee Stadium with the Royals.Chamberlain was placed on the 15-day disabled list last Wednesday with tendinitis in his pitching shoulder. He was removed from an Aug. 2 start at Texas in the fifth inning after feeling stiffness and a "grabbing" sensation while delivering his pitches.

Chamberlain was 4-3 with a 2.63 ERA, including a 3-1 mark with a 2.76 ERA since becoming a starter in early June. The Yanks don’t want to put a timetable on his return, although the 22-year-old says he can return before the end of August.

"I guess anything's possible," said Girardi, who added that he's "not necessarily so sure" Chamberlain will need a minor-league rehabilitation assignment.

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NFL odds: Vikings' safety out until at least Week 3

The Vikings beefed up their pass defense (last in the NFL in 2007) by signing free-agent safety Madieu Williams to a $33 million deal, but Minnesota will be without him for at least six weeks with a neck injury.

Williams missed the Vikings' preseason opener against the Seahawks last Friday with what the team called neck spasms. He wouldn’t disclose exactly what the injury was.

"I'm not allowed to discuss the condition of my injuries," Williams said. "I think that's something that you've got to talk to coach [Brad] Childress about, or the trainers."

Teams don’t have to disclose detailed injuries in the preseason.

In 49 career games, the 26-year-old Williams registered 290 tackles, four sacks and nine interceptions during his four-year tenure with the Bengals. He was brought in to start opposite veteran Darren Sharper and replace Dwight Smith, who was released after last season. But rookie Tyrell Johnson, the Vikings' top pick (second round) in April's draft, started in place of Williams on Friday against Seattle and figures to move into that role.

Sharper was expected to play more up in the box, but with the rookie playing aside him, Sharper might be asked to stay back in coverage more.Johnson suffered an abdominal strain against the Seahawks said he hopes to return to practice Wednesday and that he believes he will be able to play Saturday at Baltimore.

"I'm feeling a little better," he said. "Just taking it day by day. It's a real nagging injury. You've got to be patient with it."

Vikings coach Brad Childress said he doesn’t expect the team to look outside the organization to replace Williams. Minnesota’s first three games will all be challenges: Week 1 at the Packers (Green Bay is a 3-point favorite on WagerWeb.com), Week 2 vs. the Colts and Week 3 against Carolina.

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NFL odds: Ravens' McGahee expected back for opener

Baltimore Ravens starting running back Willis McGahee had arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday and the team says he will be back in time for the season opener, but there is cause for concern here: It’s the same knee on which he suffered a catastrophic injury as a Miami Hurricane.

McGahee also reported to training camp out of shape, leaving some to question his overall motivation. His surgery could force the Ravens to look for a veteran back to not only take practice reps in practice but possibly be ready to go against the Bengals on opening day. Those available include Shawn Alexander, Travis Henry, Samkon Gado, Najeh Davenport, Mike Bell and Ron Dayne.

“We were confident without the scope that he would have been ready," new Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "We just feel like this is a cautionary procedure and [we want to] make sure we're right."

McGahee, 26, rushed for 1,207 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games last season, his first in Baltimore. He also caught 43 passes for 231 yards and one TD.

Traditionally, it takes two to four weeks to recover from a standard arthroscopic knee surgery. In the case of McGahee, who didn't report to camp in optimum condition, it's likely going to come down to how much swelling there is and how diligently he works at his rehabilitation.Harbaugh acknowledged that there are potential scenarios where McGahee may be unavailable for the opener against Cincinnati, which would open the door for rookie Ray Rice to start. That game is currently listed as a pick’em on WagerWeb.com.

"There's always a possibility," Harbaugh said. "You never say never on those things.”

Cory Ross, Allen Patrick and Alex Haynes are working behind Rice on the depth chart. Rice has been impressive in camp, but didn't produce big numbers against the Patriots in the preseason opener with six carries for a dozen yards and four receptions for 17 yards.

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NCAA football odds: Deep Clemson should survive Jackson's injury

Clemson’s leader on the defensive line, senior tackle Rashaad Jackson, had surgery Tuesday to fix a torn tendon and will be out until at least midseason. Jackson, a senior, started 10 of 13 games last year and made 37 tackles, seven for losses. He was hurt in Saturday’s scrimmage.

"This is a big loss for our defense because Rashaad is not only a leader on the field but off the field as well," Bowden said. "We're like every other team, we've got 85 guys on scholarship, we'll roll another guy in there, but a guy is first-team for a reason, usually because he's better. But we do have some players there we have confidence in. That's a case where when something like that happens, if the offense can stay on the field longer, the defense is not needed as much. Ricky Sapp, and some of our ends and some of our secondary people have to be more productive to make up for his loss -- tackles for loss, deflections -- somebody has to pick up the slack."

That moves junior Jamie Cumbie, a former Parade All-American, up to the first team. Sophomore Jarvis Jenkins, another top-level former recruit, is now the second-string option. So Jackson's loss hits the Tigers in an area where they're deep, but his absence isn't being casually brushed aside.

"You're talking about a guy that's NFL material," said line coach Chris Rumph. "You've got to fill in with some guys that are playing more roles.”

The 6-7, 275-pound Cumbie moved inside from end late last season. Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning said Jenkins is a legitimate challenger to Cumbie for the starting role and that he was, in fact, considering putting Jenkins at first team before Jackson's injury. Jenkins has lost 20 pounds since last season. His strength is stuffing the run, while Cumbie’s is pass rushing.Said Rumph: "It's a toss-up right now. Both of those guys have probably had the best camp out of all those guys."

If necessary, the Tigers would also consider moving second-string nose guard Miguel Chavis to tackle. Senior Jock McKissic and junior Antwon Murchison round out the depth chart. Freshman Brandon Thompson remains likely to redshirt.

The Tigers, the ACC favorites on WagerWeb.com, start the season with five games in 28 days, beginning with their opener with Alabama at the Georgia Dome on Aug. 30 and running through a Sept. 27 contest with Maryland.

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NCAA football odds: Auburn starting corner out for year

Auburn’s thin secondary took a hit with the news that starting cornerback Aairon Savage will miss the season after undergoing suffering for a torn ACL that occurred on a play in Monday’s practice. He had surgery Wednesday.

“(Dr. James Andrews) said it looked good for him,” coach Tommy Tuberville said. “Not for the rest of the season, but (he has) an opportunity to heal well. That was good news.”

Savage, who played safety last season and finished with 26 tackles, moved to cornerback before the start of spring practice and won the job after a competition with fellow junior Walter McFadden.

Savage, who started 11 games as a freshman and then missed six games last year with shoulder and ankle injuries, is eligible for a medical redshirt and could return in 2009 with two years remaining. He had more career starts (14) than any other member of the secondary. He should be ready for the start of next season.

"You hate it," Tuberville said. "You especially hate it for a guy that's worked as hard as Aairon, but he'll be fine.”

This spotlights Auburn’s lack of depth in the defensive backfield as only five returning defensive backs — Savage, Zac Etheridge, McFadden, Jerraud Powers (the likely other starting cornerback) and Mike McNeil — had significant experience.

Powers is now the only Auburn cornerback who has started a college game.Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads said at the start of spring practice that a few of the Tigers’ eight true freshman defensive backs were likely to play significant roles this year. A few to watch are D'Antoine Hood and Neiko Thorpe.

``There's no bigger burden on any corner or DB just because Aairon is down right now with an injured knee,' Rhoads said. ``If everybody in jerseys out here doesn't feel the need to step up, then we're not in the position that we think we are.'

One of the true freshmen who won’t be competing for the job is safety DeRon Furr, who left the team.

Auburn’s over/under for wins in the 2008 season is 9. Bet on the Tigers at WagerWeb.com

NFL odds: Where will Chad Pennington land?

Did you know that Chad Pennington ranks No. 1 on the all-time NFL QB list for completion percentage at 65.6 percent?

Well, that number wasn’t as important to the New York Jets as 4.8 million and 7.8 million. The former number was the salary Pennington was due this year and the latter was his salary cap number with the Jets, who let Pennington go Thursday as they worked themselves under the cap to absorb Brett Favre’s salary.

Pennington was 1-7 as the starter in New York last year, throwing for 1,765 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Jets' first-round pick in the 2000 draft, Pennington was 32-29 as a starter in his career with a passer rating of 88.9. He took the team to the playoffs three times: 2002, 2004 and 2006.

So there will be a market for the 32-year-old. The Dolphins, Vikings, Chiefs, Bears and Bucs are reportedly the leading candidates to land him. Here’s a breakdown of those five clubs and their chances of getting Pennington:

Dolphins: Miami wasted no time in contacting Pennington’s agent. New Dolphins boss Bill Parcells was the guy who drafted him with the 18th overall pick in 2000 when Parcells was Jets' general manager.

"From what I've heard about him, I've only heard that he's a very intelligent player," Miami coach Tony Sparano said. "And he's always been pretty accurate, with what he did with the ball. I know the guy's a competitor."

Sparano has said that he’s happy with his current three quarterbacks, Josh McCown, John Beck and rookie Chad Henne. All three have struggled somewhat in camp, however, with Henne reportedly looking the best. And you know Parcells doesn’t want to open the season with a rookie QB.

Wouldn’t it be something to see Pennington starting for Miami on Week 1 – against the Jets? Consider Miami the favorite to land him, as Pennington no doubt would like to stick it to the Jets.

Chiefs: Coach Herman Edwards is the former coach of the Jets, and while the team is committed to Brodie Croyle as the starter, Pennington would seem to be a better No. 2 than Tyler Thigpen or Damon Huard. Edwards’ good relationship with Pennington makes the Chiefs the second favorites to get him.

Bears: Sure, Chicago could use someone a little more stable than Rex Grossman and more experienced than Kyle Orton. And the Bears don’t really have a third quarterback, so they could add Pennington and not really have to dump anyone. However, Pennington is basically the same kind of quarterback as Orton: An effective short-range thrower but awful on deep balls. Don’t expect Pennington in the Windy City.Bucs: Frankly, the Bucs don’t need Pennington, and they already have five quarterbacks in camp. Yes, Chris Simms will be gone soon, but is Pennington an upgrade over Brian Griese as the backup to Jeff Garcia? No. Never rule out Jon Gruden when it comes to quarterbacks, but hard to see Pennington wanting to go to Tampa.

Vikings: Now this makes the most sense. Pennington could be the consolation prize after the team couldn’t land Favre, and Pennington would be more consistent than Tarvaris Jackson. In addition, the Vikings are the best of the five teams listed here. Still, reports out of Minnesota say that Vikings officials believe in Jackson and don’t think Pennington is an upgrade over Gus Frerotte at No. 2. So no sale here.

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NCAA football odds: Gators reportedly lose Ingram for year

Sometimes people fault college juniors for leaving school early, saying they should earn their degree, blah, blah. Well, sometimes returning to school instead of taking the NFL’s money is the very worst thing to do.

Every player that declares for the draft and then decides to return to school worries about injury ruining their future. Unfortunately, that could be the case with Florida senior tight end Cornelius Ingram.

Ingram, who caught 34 passes for 508 yards and seven TDs last season and pondered going pro before returning to Gainesville, injured his knee Tuesday. While it didn’t appear overly serious then – he walked off the field under his own power before it swelled up considerably on Wednesday – there are now reports that it could be a ligament tear that may cost him some or all of the 2008 season.

All coach Urban Meyer has said so far is that Ingram had a strained knee, but the Gators are waiting on the results of an MRI. ESPN is reporting that it is a torn ACL and a season-ending injury.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Ingram, on the preseason John Mackey Award list as college football’s top tight end and a preseason All-SEC pick, has bulked up this offseason and dedicated himself to becoming more of an NFL-type tight end. If Ingram can't play this season, he could petition the NCAA for a sixth season.While tight end isn’t normally a key position in the spread, Ingram is a key for Meyer because of the matchup problems he gives defenses and the fact that he seems to shine on third down. Ingram and fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez have been so impressive this offseason that Meyer and offensive coordinator Dan Mullen have put in a two tight end package in the spread offense.

The Gators are one of the favorites to win the BCS title this year, listed at +600 on WagerWeb.com.

MLB odds: Red Sox get break with none on Youkilis

The MVP of the Boston Red Sox this season has been Kevin Youkilis, so you can bet that all of Red Sox Nation was holding its breath on Wednesday night when Youk was hit in the hand by a first-inning pitch and eventually left the game against the Royals.

Thankfully for Boston, Youkilis’ hand is bruised, not broken. The team is off on Thursday, but there is a “decent chance” that he could be back in the lineup for Friday night’s game in Chicago.

“It’s swollen like hell; it’s bruised up,” said Youkilis.

Youkilis (.319, 20 HRs, 76 RBIs) originally stayed in the game and took first base. But once the Red Sox came out for defense in the bottom of the inning, Sean Casey took over for Youkilis at first base.

"A pretty good bruise," manager Terry Francona said. "The good news is that there's no break. By the time I got out there, it was already turning black. I think the trainers think there's a decent chance he'll play (Friday). So that's good news. It sounds like it's a matter of a day or two, as opposed to something that looked like it had a chance to be bad."

It was the ninth time this season Youkilis has been hit by a pitch. Even though he left the game, his 12-game hitting streak remains alive because he was hit by a pitch, which does not count as a plate appearance. In the five games before Wednesday, Youkilis was on a tear, hitting .435 (10-for-23) with three doubles, two homers and six RBIs.Francona says he plans to keep Youkilis at cleanup or fifth rather than batting second, where he had primarily hit since David Ortiz's return on July 25.

"We're trying to get this lineup as elongated as we can," Francona said. "I like right now the way Youk [is hitting]. Youk has been a pretty legitimate bat right in the middle of that order. We're just trying to, again, have some depth and some balance."

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Boxing odds: De La Hoya-Pacquiao bout nearly set

Negotiations are underway for a Dec. 6 megafight between Oscar De La Hoya, boxing's biggest star, and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Although there are issues on the table such as the precise weight limit and brand of gloves the fighters would wear, promoters Robert Schaefer and Bob Arum agreed those would be easily solved. The crux of the negotiation will come down to the percentage split of the revenue.

"I can say without any question none of that will be a problem, weight or gloves," Arum said. "We are working essentially on the split."

De La Hoya (39-5, 30 KOs), who easily outpointed Steve Forbes on May 3, weighed 150 pounds in that bout. Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach want him to come down to the welterweight limit of 147 pounds.

Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs), who just defeated David Diaz for the WBC lightweight title, is a natural southpaw who showed off his stellar speed against Diaz. When the fight was stopped in the ninth round, Diaz admitted that he saw the punches, but was helpless to stop them. Pacquiao’s fight against Diaz was the first time he had ever fought at 135 pounds, so a move up to 147 could be a big challenge.

Since late 2003, Pacquiao has faced Erik Morales three times, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez twice each. His record is 6-1, with the only setback coming in March 2005, when Morales earned a unanimous decision.

HBO boxing analyst Larry Merchant cited that it will be a "no-loss" fight for Pacquiao.

“He can make a good fight. Maybe he wins, he elevates his status. If he loses, he lost to a top fighter, a bigger guy, and he’s made more money than he’s ever made before,” he said.Merchant added that Pacquiao can beat De La Hoya, who is a six-time world champion.

“I give Manny a puncher’s chance. Manny’s in his prime, Oscar is past his prime,” he said.

Arum, meanwhile, said that the possibility of welterweight champion Antonio Margarito facing De La Hoya also came up in the meeting as an alternative plan. Margarito ruined Miguel Cotto's chance to face De La Hoya when he stopped him July 26.

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MLB odds: Terrible news for Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays likely will be without one of their best young pitchers for the rest of the season, no matter what they are saying now, as Dustin McGowan has been shown to have the dreaded tear in his rotator cuff.

Now, the Jays are saying only that the club is expecting McGowan to miss “probably longer than four weeks,” but that is being overly optimistic.

"The severity of it we won't really know until (the pain) calms down," GM J.P. Ricciardi said.

McGowan, long considered to have the best pure stuff in the organization, came out of his last start on Tuesday after four innings, complaining of soreness. His velocity was down noticeably.

He will see a specialist, where film of his shoulder will be compared with that of previous years to determine whether the tear in his shoulder has worsened or not. He has had some level of tear in his shoulder for a while, as most pitchers do, but it's not clear how much more damage has been done.

"We're not anticipating anything good or bad at this point," Ricciardi said when asked about the severity of the tear. “The best-case scenario is it calms down and he's able to get throwing again.”

Asked whether surgery was an option, Ricciardi did not rule it out.

"Not today, but obviously anytime you talk about stuff like that it could be," he said.McGowan had a breakout 2007, going 12-10 with a 4.08 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, working a career-high 166 2/3 innings. He took a bit of a step back this year, 6-7 with a 4.37 ERA and 1.37 WHIP, but is considered a big part of Toronto’s future plans.

Reliever Brian Tallet has been promoted from the bullpen and inserted into the rotation to fill in. Tallet is 0-1 with a 2.83 ERA this season with 30 strikeouts in 35 innings. He has six career starts to his credit, and his last one was in 2006. Toronto has been without right-hander Shaun Marcum (right shoulder), since June 19, but he is expected back following the All-Star break.

Expect McGowan’s injury to expedite the Jays’ trying to deal fellow starter A.J. Burnett while he still has value. This season is pretty much a lost one for Toronto, which is last in the AL East.

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MLB odds: Soriano out, Holliday in as NL starter

Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano, being a former Yankee, really wanted to play in next week’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, but it became official this week that he won’t be able to do that.

Soriano, on the DL since June 12 with a broken left hand, will be in attendance, but his starting spot will be taken by Colorado’s Matt Holliday.

Soriano took some batting practice in St. Louis last weekend and experienced some pain and weakness in the hand. Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Wednesday he expects Soriano back with the team in time for its second series after the All-Star break—July 21-23 in Phoenix.

However, the Cubs are hoping he takes a brief rehab stint in the minors before that, something a veteran player must approve.

"We're going to approach him on it," Piniella said. "I think it will be good for him. This isn't a two weeks thing—it's going on five weeks or so—so it's a long time. And [a player needs to] get your legs under him a little bit, catch some balls, maybe one game under the lights, get some at-bats. … But we'll see. I think it would help him, yes."NL manager Clint Hurdle of the Rockies said Thursday that Holliday will get to start because he finished second to Ryan Braun in player voting, which is used to select the reserves. Hurdle planned to wait to fill Soriano's roster spot until after Thursday's competition of fan voting for the final place on the team.

Holliday is making his third consecutive All-Star appearance. This will be his first start, but for the third All-Star Game in a row he will play right field. Hurdle said he will leave Braun of Milwaukee in left field and move Kosuke Fukudome of the Cubs to center field.

Holliday, runner-up in NL MVP voting last year, is fourth in the NL with a .343 average and has hit 14 home runs and collected 51 RBIs this season.

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NCAA basketball odds: Indiana's loss again Xavier's gain

Former Indiana guard Jordan Crawford, who left the team in June as a result of the NCAA infractions case that led to former coach Kelvin Sampson’s departure, is transferring to Xavier.

Crawford averaged 9.7 points last season, seventh among Big Ten freshmen. He also averaged 25.3 minutes and made 36.6 percent of his three-point shots. Crawford, the brother of former Kentucky player Joe Crawford, was considering Cincinnati, Texas, , N.C. State, Oklahoma and Central Michigan other than Xavier, where he almost went out of high school.

Jordan Crawford is expected to appeal for immediate eligibility at Xavier, citing the unusual circumstances of Indiana's predicament as cause for lenience. Other players recently have been granted waivers of the year-in-residence rule, including Tennessee's Tyler Smith (from Iowa) and Georgetown's Julian Vaughn (from Florida State); those two cases involved medical issues with family members that made moving to schools closer to home important.

A native of Detroit who attended prep school at Virginia's Hargrave Military Academy, Crawford is 6-4, 195 pounds and can play point guard or either wing position.Xavier previously added Terrell Holloway, a point guard from New York who played last season at Cincinnati's Harmony Christian Academy. He signed a letter of intent with IU last fall but was released from the commitment following Sampson's departure.

Crawford’s departure makes 12 players who started the 2007-08 season with the Hoosiers who are no longer with the team. There are seven scholarship players for next season. Kyle Taber, a former walk-on who was put on scholarship for the first time last season as a junior, is the leading returning scorer at 1.3 points per game.

Junior college transfers Devan Dumes and Tijan Jobe join freshmen Matt Roth, Tom Pritchard, Nick Williams and Verdell Jones on scholarship. Indiana will also have four walk-ons.

NCAA basketball futures coming soon to WagerWeb.com

NASCAR odds: Franchitti gets Nationwide ride

After losing his ride in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, Dario Franchitti

Franchitti, who is part of the field at +1000 at WagerWeb.com, will pilot the No. 40 Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing. Ganassi shuttered Franchitti's Sprint Cup Series team last week because of a lack of funding, leaving the 2007 IndyCar Series champion's future in doubt.

But Ganassi has sponsorship for his Nationwide car, and is giving Franchitti the option to drive that until they figure out a long-term plan. Bryan Clauson drove the car last weekend at Daytona International Speedway, winning his first career pole.

This will be Franchitti’s 11th start of the year and the 15th of his career in the second-level series. His return is not full-time yet, as the Scot’s plans for the rest of the season will probably be disclosed next week after he and Ganassi meet to discuss their options.

But Franchitti made it clear what he wants.

"I want to be successful in NASCAR and I certainly don't want it to end like this," he said. "I made a big commitment coming over here [from IndyCar] and I'd like to get in a [situation] to be successful. When I made the decision to come here I wasn't going to do the IndyCar thing anymore, so this isn't a case of missing out on what could have been. That wasn't a direction I wanted to go. Never say never, but it's unlikely I'll go back."

Franchitti's race at Chicago on Friday will be his first in stock cars at the 1.5-mile oval. He does have three IndyCar starts there, including wrapping up the 2007 IndyCar Championship there by starting from the pole and winning the season finale.Franchitti was disappointed in Ganassi’s decision to shut down his Sprint Cup ride, saying his broken ankle suffered at Talladega and the five missed races after that certainly didn’t help matters.

"The injury didn't help, and I know I still have a lot to learn, but we were moving in the right direction,” Franchitti said. “There were some very difficult days and there were also days where we felt we were making progress, and those days were fun. I'd love to start again with the level of experience I have in NASCAR now and that is why I want to continue and show what I can do. I got the feeling whatever could go wrong did go wrong, but I think we were turning things round."

Bet on NASCAR at WagerWeb.com will be back behind the wheel Friday when he races in the Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 at Chicagoland Speedway.

Horse racing odds: Curlin to run in Man o'War

Curlin, the 2007 Horse of the Year, will make his grass debut Saturday in the 1 3/8-mile Man o'War Stakes at Belmont Park after a licensing issue was resolved.

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board will issue a license to the receiver representing the minority ownership interest in Curlin. Stonestreet Stables, which owns 80 percent of Curlin, is already licensed in New York, but Midnight Cry Stables, which owns the other 20 percent, has faced ongoing legal problems since late last year that have complicated its eligibility for licensing in many jurisdictions, but it got the OK.

Midnight Cry Stables is owned by Lexington lawyers William Gallion and Shirley Cunningham Jr., who are currently in jail as they await a retrial in a case alleging that they defrauded their clients in a 2002 settlement with the manufacturer of the diet-drug combination fen-phen.

The Man o' War would be Curlin's first race on the turf. Trainer Steve Asmussen said if Curlin runs and performs well, he will ship to Saratoga before shipping to France for a possible start in the Prix Foy, a race on the grass at Longchamp, as a prep for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France on Oct. 5, also at Longchamp.

"I think the Arc is one of the greatest races in the world," Asmussen said, "and we want to establish Curlin as one of the greatest horses in the world."

No American-based horse has won the 1 1/2-mile Arc, Europe's most prestigious event. Among those who failed were Tom Rolfe, sixth in 1965, and Carry Back, 10th in 1962. A victory by Curlin, who has won nine of 12 starts on dirt, would place him among the best of all time. But first Curlin must perform Saturday."We do expect a Curlin race Saturday, but there are questions out there. We don't want to kid ourselves about his turf form if we're going to try the Arc. I think we're going to get a gauge of his turf ability, but even if all goes well, we'll still have a lot to do," Asmussen said.

Asmussen chose the 1 3/8th-mile Man o'War over Saturday's Arlington Park Handicap at Arlington Park near Chicago, in part because the lure of stiff competition. Curlin should get it against a field that will include former Breeders' Cup Turf winners Better Talk Now and Red Rocks.

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